Türkiye is enduring one of the harshest weather events of the year, as the Altay Cold Front sweeps across the country, bringing extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

The severe weather is expected to last until Monday, with tonight predicted to be the coldest night of the year.

In Istanbul, temperatures are set to plunge to a chilling minus 4 degrees Celsius (24.8°F). The freezing conditions will not be confined to the city, as regions across northern, central, and eastern Türkiye brace for intermittent snowfall. Particularly affected areas include the eastern Marmara, northern Central Anatolia, the Black Sea, and northeastern Eastern Anatolia. Snowfall is also expected along the coast in parts of Kırklareli, Aksaray, Nevsehir, Kayseri, and Siirt.

The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued urgent "orange" and "yellow" weather warnings for numerous provinces, signaling the dangers of intense cold, strong winds, and the risk of avalanches in mountainous regions, especially in Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia.

With widespread frost and ice, meteorologists are alerting the public to treacherous conditions on the roads, particularly as temperatures remain dangerously low. Authorities are warning of potential travel disruptions, including icy roads and power outages.

Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution in the face of this relentless cold snap. With snowstorms continuing, authorities are recommending that people avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors, especially in avalanche-prone areas. As Türkiye faces the worst winter conditions in recent memory, preparedness and safety precautions are critical for all residents. (ILKHA)